Elster Electricity and Sensus Metering Systems of Raleigh, North Carolina, have signed an agreement that outlines that Elster will integrate the Sensus FlexNet SmartPoint communications board into the A3 ALPHA meter at Elster’s manufacturing facility in Raleigh.

Sensus FlexNet system users have been using A3 ALPHA meters for commercial and industrial applications since 2005. The agreement between Elster and Sensus allows users to order A3 ALPHA meters directly from either Elster or Sensus with the FlexNet SmartPoint module installed during Elster’s meter manufacturing process. This will streamline the order process for meter customers and allow Elster and Sensus to better serve their respective customers.

The A3 ALPHA meter provides an accurate, ANSI standards-based AMI platform. The A3 ALPHA meter with the Flexnet SmartPoint module provides commercial and industrial metering functionality for Sensus FlexNet System users.

FlexNet is a simple, reliable and flexible RF fixed network utility meter reading AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system that operates through a primary licensed frequency. FlexNet was designed to maximize smart metering technology through its two-way, fixed network AMI solution. FlexNet enables utilities to communicate with meters in both urban and rural environments to provide increased meter reading efficiency, reduced overhead costs and enhanced customer service. And, FlexNet is scalable to accommodate growth as a utility expands meter deployments throughout its service territory.